• From: Los Angeles, California
  • Registered: Mon, 17 Sep 2012
  • Posts: 14

Topic: Update on MIL

Thank you all for replying to my last post. It means so much to me to have all of your support. Lainy- you really are fantastic. So my MIL finished her 3rd round of chemo last Thursday. They did a blood test and that afternoon called her and said that she had to see a GI doc to see about a stent being placed. Her labs were elevated. The tumor appears to have grown larger and is now occluding one of her ducts. Chemo is on hold until we see if stent placement is possible and another CT done.  The GI doctor was very direct and told my MIL and FIL that if the blockage was too high, that placing a stent would not be possible and that there was nothing left to be done for her. Even if the stent is able to be placed, I'm not sure if they will resume chemo since her symptoms just seem to be worsening.
I saw my sweet MIL today and I was saddened as she appeared slightly jaundiced to me. She didn't leave the couch all day, said it was nearly an impossible chore just to take a shower, and has only been able to have 2 sips of a shake all day. I am so so terribly saddened.
My husband and FIL seem to be a little more in touch with reality, which is good. I am just still so blown away how rapidly she has declined. This cancer is so so horrible. I am just so heavy hearted. I love this woman and seeing her decline like this is heart-wrenching. Her pain increased last week and she is now on 2 Fentanyl patches and 3 percocet as needed. I just wish she would go to the outpatient palliative care people at UCLA. What is the next medication used after the Fentanyl patches don't work anymore? Morphine patch?  IV Morphine? Are we there yet?

Thanks again for all of your support...I truly mean that from the bottom of my heart.

Lindsy

  • From: Phoenix AZ
  • Registered: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
  • Posts: 8,215

Re: Update on MIL

Hello, Lindsy....I am so very sorry about your wonderful MIL. Fentynal patch did not work for my Teddy nor Percoset. They had him on a small dose of Morphine which was increased as needed. Toward the end he was on 100mg long acting 2 X a day with an hourly dose of 75mg for  break through pain. I know, I know, it is so very hard to watch our loved ones go through this. Just a suggestion, but when they couldn't stent Teddy on the inside they did a side stent. I think the bile needs to be released and the stent is guided in from the side and they attach a bag for the bile. While is is a tad inconvenient it was still better than not having a stent at all. IF the ONC says they can not do anymore then you may want to ask about Home Hospice especially since they are there to make the patient comfortable. It is a hard step to take but one that will bring all of you relief including your MIL. My heart is with you and remember that pain control is the bottom line. I am here for you and you certainly can email if you like, just click on my name and my email will come up. Sending you a ton of hugs and love!  You never know how strong you are until "strong" is the only choice you have!

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.
  • From: Uniontown, Ohio
  • Registered: Fri, 23 Sep 2011
  • Posts: 1,488

Re: Update on MIL

Dear Lindsy,

Although I have not experienced any of this with my daughter, I just wanted to let you know that I feel your pain and wish I could do something to help. Your mother-in-law is very lucky to have such a sweet, caring daughter-in-law. I hope the doctors find something to ease her pain.

Love, -Pam

Hoping for a miracle for my daughter, Lauren.

My comments, suggestions, and opinions are based on my experience as a caretaker for my daughter, Lauren and from reading anything I can get my hands on about Cholangiocarcinoma. Please consult a physician for professional guidance.

Pamela's Website

  • From: Los Angeles, California
  • Registered: Mon, 17 Sep 2012
  • Posts: 14

Re: Update on MIL

Thanks so much ladies. We will know more info this afternoon. I will keep you posted. Pamela- I checked out your blog...it's amazing. Your daughter is a lucky girl to have such a terrific mother.

Keeping you all in my prayers,

Lindsy

  • From: Dresher, pa
  • Registered: Thu, 19 Jul 2012
  • Posts: 72

Re: Update on MIL

Lindsy,

When my mom became jaundiced, they told her an internal stent was not possible due to the location.   They said that if chemo did not lower the billirubin, an external drain would have to be used.  Is that an option for her?  It's not a great option, but at least it could make her feel better.

I feel your pain.  It is so hard to watch someone you care about be in this situation.

Best,
Lauren

  • From: Los Angeles, California
  • Registered: Mon, 17 Sep 2012
  • Posts: 14

Re: Update on MIL

Hi all. So they were able to place the stent, but they also put in a feeding tube. It was suppose to be an outpatient procedure, but she is still in the hospital. She can't poop and is really weak. My husband called the onc today and asked if he could please do a CT while she is in the hospital so she doesn't have to go back later this week. My MIL also told my husband that she doesn't think she could do another round of chemo, which I couldn't agree more with!
I guess we wait for the CT tonight and see what the doctor says. I'll keep everyone posted and thanks again so much for all of your support.

Thanks,
Lindsy